Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_press_release_senate_diwali_resolution.htm

Washington, DC (August 20, 2007). On August 3, 2007, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced Senate Resolution 299, "recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.”. The resolution affirms the importance of the festival in the lives of millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in the United States. This is now a bicameral effort, following the introduction of House Resolution 245, cosponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson (R- SC) and Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) earlier this year.

Senator Menendez said, “"With over 180,000 Indian Americans living in New Jersey today, I am proud to have introduced a resolution to recognize the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali. It is important that we celebrate the great diversity that makes up and strengthens our national fabric, and it gives me great pride to commemorate what Diwali stands for -- a time to be with family, and to pray for health, knowledge, and peace."